If you're reading this, you're probably retired or seriously considering it. And let’s be honest—retirement is one of those big life moments. It’s exciting, freeing, and for many, a little bit nerve-wracking. You've worked hard, maybe raised a family, contributed to your community or workplace, and now you're stepping into a new chapter. But here's the thing—retirement isn't just a one-time event. It's a journey. And like any good journey, it helps to have a map.
You may have already heard that retirement unfolds in stages. That’s not just talk—it’s something that has been carefully observed over the years by people who’ve walked this path and by professionals who’ve helped them along the way. While no two retirements are the same, there are common stages we all tend to experience in one way or another.
Understanding these stages can make a real difference. It allows you to plan ahead—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally too. It helps you navigate the highs, prepare for the lows, and ultimately create a retirement that’s meaningful and fulfilling. And isn't that the goal?
In this series, I’ll walk you through the six main stages of retirement as they unfold in real life. Think of them as three broader phases: Discover, Endeavor, and Reflection. These are more than just timelines—they’re ways of experiencing retirement that shape how we feel, what we do, and how we define success in this new stage of life.
Let’s take a quick peek at what these six stages look like. Then, in the following posts, we’ll dive deeper into each one and talk about how to prepare for them—and how to thrive in each stage.
The Six Stages of Retirement
It all begins before retirement even officially starts. That first stage is what I call Preretirement. It’s the planning phase, where dreams of retirement take shape. You might imagine travel, more time with family, or finally starting a hobby you've always put off. It’s also a time when you face some important decisions about finances, housing, health, and identity.
Then comes the much-anticipated Honeymoon Stage. Just like it sounds, this is often a time of joy, relief, and new beginnings. The alarm clock is off, the calendar’s yours, and the possibilities feel endless. For many, this is when retirement feels like a long-awaited vacation.
After the initial excitement settles, you may enter a period of Contentment. This is often a sweet spot—you're settling into routines that work for you, enjoying the freedom you've earned, and finding satisfaction in your lifestyle. For many retirees, this is where things feel “just right.”
However, for some, the contentment may not last forever. A phase called Disenchantment can creep in—quietly, and sometimes unexpectedly. You may begin to wonder, “Is this all there is?” You might miss the structure of work, or feel less useful or connected. This stage isn’t about failure—it’s about realizing that retirement, like every chapter of life, comes with its own challenges.
That’s where Reorientation comes in. This is the phase where you start to recalibrate. You think deeply about what gives your life meaning now. You might volunteer, take a class, mentor someone, or find new ways to stay active and engaged. It’s a time of discovery, and it can lead to some of the most rewarding moments of retirement.
Eventually, many people reach a place of Stability. This is when life finds its rhythm again. You’ve adjusted, adapted, and created a lifestyle that reflects who you are now. There’s comfort in the routine, and often a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.
The final stage, which we don’t often like to talk about, is Termination. It may sound harsh, but it simply acknowledges that, with aging, comes a time when independence may diminish, and greater support is needed. Planning ahead for this stage—with grace, love, and dignity—can actually relieve stress for both you and your loved ones.
Why This Journey Matters
You might be wondering, “Do I really need to think about all of this?” My answer: yes, if you want to feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected to your own sense of purpose. Retirement is more than a financial plan—it’s a life plan. And just like you planned your career, your family, or your travels, planning your retirement journey will help you make the most of every stage.
So whether you're already retired, just starting to think about it, or helping someone else prepare, I invite you to follow along. In the next posts, I’ll explore each stage more deeply—what it feels like, what to watch for, and how to plan in a way that suits your personality and your lifestyle.
There’s no one “right” way to do retirement. But understanding how retirement unfolds can help you avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy the journey more fully.
Retirement is a new chapter, not the end of the book. You still have stories to tell, dreams to chase, and contributions to make.
And if you’re looking for tools to help you plan, or just want to explore what others are doing, check out RetireHappy.ca or the Government of Canada – Services for Seniors. These are great places to start gathering information that supports your goals.
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